In a landmark development for cancer care in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and The Queen's Health Systems have forged a strategic partnership to establish the state's first on-campus cancer clinic. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to deliver comprehensive cancer care by integrating clinical services with cutting-edge research facilities.
Under the agreement, Queen's Health Systems will occupy dedicated space in the UH Cancer Center's ʻewa wing, establishing a full-service oncology clinic. The third and fourth floors will house medical oncology, surgical oncology, and chemotherapy infusion services, creating a seamless care experience for patients.
Advancing Clinical Research and Patient Care
The partnership coincides with the construction of Ho'ōla, Hawaii's pioneering early-phase clinical research center for cancer, which will occupy the first and second floors of the facility. Set to open by the end of 2025, Ho'ōla represents a collaborative initiative with the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium that will eliminate the need for local cancer patients to travel to the mainland for advanced experimental treatments.
"As a member of the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium, The Queen's Health Systems has always been one of the state's most powerful allies in the fight against cancer," said Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center. "This agreement builds on our mutually beneficial collaboration as we continue to save lives."
Distinguished Institutional Credentials
The partnership brings together two nationally recognized institutions. The UH Cancer Center recently renewed its National Cancer Institute designation in September 2024, maintaining its position among the top 4% of cancer centers nationwide. This prestigious recognition underscores the center's commitment to excellence in cancer research and treatment.
Queen's Medical Center, ranked as Hawaii's leading hospital by U.S. News & World Report, brings its American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation to the partnership. This accreditation ensures patients receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer care services.
Impact on Regional Cancer Care
The integration of clinical services and research facilities under one roof represents a significant advancement in cancer care delivery for Hawaii and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. This collaborative model will enhance access to innovative treatments, support earlier detection initiatives, and advance preventive care strategies for the region's diverse population.
